Los Angeles tribute to Beatles star dies after being consumed by bark and ladybug beetles

A pine tree planted in Los Angeles to commemorate the late-Beatles star George Harrison has died – after being consumed by beetles.

Planted as a sapling in 2004 near the Griffith Observatory, the tree stood 10-feet high but died recently as a result of an insect infestation.

The Griffith Park and its observatory are popular tourist spots in LA, but the trees there have been plagued recently by ladybug and bark beetles, both of which can cause extensive damage.

LA councilman Tom LaBonge, who represents the area, told the LA Times that the tree would be replanted. The paper said Harrison, who had a well-developed sense of humour, "likely would have been amused by the irony".

The George Harrison Tree was chosen as an appropriate memorial for the Beatle, who died of lung cancer in LA in 2001 at the age of 58, because of his love of plants, gardening and nature.

It was accompanied by a small plaque reading: “In memory of a great humanitarian who touched the world as an artist, a musician and a gardener.”

Beneath it was a quote from the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who Harrison followed, reading: “For the forest to be green each tree must be green.”

Harrison’s former band mate Ringo Starr performed at the nearby Greek Theatre a few days before the tree’s demise was announced.